Gliders violate Gurgaon's no-fly zone, become new security headache

HIGHLIGHTS

Flyboy and Fly India violates ban completely.

Security threat to the city on Independence Day.

District administration will take strong action against them.

Soldiers march during the full dress rehearsal at Red Fort. The Gurugram district adminitration imposed the ban on paragliders and drones from August 10 to 16 in view of potential 'aerial threats' on the eve of the Independence Day.

HIGHLIGHTS

Flyboy and Fly India violates ban completely.

Security threat to the city on Independence Day.

District administration will take strong action against them.

Despite Gurugram being declared a no-fly zone ahead of the Independence Day, private adventure sports companies of the Millennium City are flouting all norms, risking the security of vital defence installations.The ban has been completely violated by two aerial adventure sports companies -

Despite Gurugram being declared a no-fly zone ahead of the Independence Day, private adventure sports companies of the Millennium City are flouting all norms, risking the security of vital defence installations.

The ban has been completely violated by two aerial adventure sports companies - Flyboy and Fly India. These companies are providing up to 10 minutes ride covering 10 to 12 km radius aerial distance near Sohna in the district providing an easy aerial access to NSG camp in Manesar, Mohamadpur air base and a CRPF camp.

On August 3, 2016, Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram TL Satya Prakash had imposed the ban on gliders and remote control drones from August 10 to 16 in the entire district.

"These adventure sports companies are a security threat to the city on Independence Day. The district administration had announced no fly zone but they are still operating," said Ritu Raj, a resident of Gurugram.

Mail Today visited the place on the eve of the Independence Day and found gliders operating.

Dinesh Kumar, a glider operator at Flyboy, said: "The company can be approached through online and directly as well with a minimum charge of Rs 999 for aerial ride of up to 5 minutes covering around 5km. The company also provides 5 to 8 minutes ride by at Rs 1,500 for 7 to 8 km aerial distance. The maximum charge of the glider is Rs 3,000 which provides 10 to 12 minutes ride covering 10 km."

LOCATION DOES NOT FALL UNDER JURISDICTION

He, however, said there won't be any commercial operation on August 15. When Mail Today correspondent contacted Fly India Operator Sunil Chaudhary, he said, "My company charges Rs 2,500 per ride with 7 to 8 minutes of travel distance." He also claimed that rides are available till day visibility till 7 to 7.30pm.

When Chaudhary was asked about the section 144 imposed in the entire district, he said "Despite being in Gurugram, our location does not fall under the jurisdiction."

Earlier, Gurugram DC TL Satya Prakash said: "With a view to maintain law and order and prevent any mishap ahead of the Independence Day, the district administration has imposed a complete ban on flying remote-controlled drones and gliders in the district from August 10 to 16, 2016. The ban was imposed under section 144 of CrPC 1973 to prevent their misuse by terrorists and anti social elements".

POTENTIAL AERIAL THREATS

When contacted, Satya Prakash told MAIL TODAY section 144 is imposed in the entire district and if anyone is found violating the law, the district administration will take strong action against them.

"I am conveying this massage to the Gurugram police to verify and stop commercial activities." Also, in a first-of-its-kind of prohibitory order, Delhi Police have restricted several kinds of aerial activities for the next two months.